The UK Network for Sustainable Research (UKNSR) brings people, practice, policy and planet together in a continuous learning loop, helping the research community close the gap between evidence and action. We work across disciplines and institutions to embed environmental sustainability as a core principle of responsible, high-quality research.
Supporting Sustainable Research and Innovation
UKNSR connects researchers, technical professionals, and sustainability specialists across the UK research system — from research groups and centres to facilities and policy teams. Our members work within publicly funded research and higher education institutions, meeting regularly to share best practice and resources through our online community.
We provide a national forum for collaboration, bringing together the tools, training and shared infrastructure needed to make sustainability part of everyday research practice. By integrating evidence, policy and implementation, UKNSR supports institutions in building a more responsible, efficient and regenerative research culture.
The aims of UKNSR are to:
• promote sustainable research, efficient experimental practices, and environmental responsibility in academic and research institutions
• act as a convenor and collaborative forum for the sector, enabling shared learning on sustainable research
• produce, standardise, and share tools and resources that improve the sustainability of research practice
• support alignment with funder expectations and national frameworks to make sustainability integral to research excellence
Latest Events
We host a range of online and in-person events across the UK and beyond — from practical workshops on emerging developments in research sustainability and sector mapping, to national gatherings that connect institutions and share collective progress among our global community.
Membership
UKNSR is a UK-based network open to individuals working within publicly funded research and higher education institutions in the UK and internationally. Members include researchers, technical professionals, facility and infrastructure leads, professional services staff, postgraduate students, and others supporting the sustainability of research.
Support for Research Communities
OUR EVENTS
- MRC Environmental Sustainability (ES) Seminar/ Putting Sustainable Science into Practice: LessMon 19 JanRoyal Society of Chemistry
- UKNSR Spring Workshop 2026Wed 15 AprKing's College London
Sustainable Digital Research Workshop - University of ManchesterWed 05 NovUniversity of Manchester
LEAN Spring Workshop & Education for Sustainability Away Day (KCL)Mon 03 MarKing's College London
LEAN Workshop: Collaborative Strategies for the ConcordatTue 26 NovUniversity of Bristol
Conversations & Discourse
UKNSR hosts a forum on Discourse, enabling members to share and discuss the latest strategies and methods for improving impact.
Resources
Sustainable Research